U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran announced Monday that he is resigning from the U.S. Senate.

The resignation is effective April 1.

Advertisement

"I regret my health has become an ongoing challenge. I intend to fulfill my responsibilities and commitments to the people of Mississippi and the Senate through the completion of the 2018 appropriations cycle, after which I will formally retire from the U.S. Senate," Cochran, a Republican, said in a statement. "It has been a great honor to serve the people of Mississippi and our country. I’ve done my best to make decisions in the best interests of our nation, and my beloved state. My top concern has always been my constituents in Mississippi. My hope is by making this announcement now, a smooth transition can be ensured so their voice will continue to be heard in Washington, D.C. My efforts, and those of my staff, to assist them will continue and transfer to my successor.”

The Mississippi Republican was first elected to the Senate in 1978. He is the 10th-longest serving senator in U.S. history. He previously served three terms in the House of Representatives.